Fool Me Once
3 June 1777
"Thank you for the meal" Caroline smiled fondly with blushing cheeks as the engaged couple sat at the Mile's End. They enjoyed sitting at the bar despite Ratonhnhaké:ton would never order an alcoholic drink while she'd sip an ale with a mischievous wink at him. The summer days had allowed the two to spend their evenings at the inn for a dinner together or venturing around the town. For the first time, they were able to spend a peaceful summer having dates as a couple.
Today, half the town was enjoying the special of the day after Walter managed to bring in fresh pork into town. The innkeepers quickly set to work on smoking ribs and marinating the remaining parts to sell that day for a profit. Ratonhnhaké:ton had dropped by her home to walk there together and the two had been pleasantly surprised to find Norris and Myriam. The next second caused her to blush when seeing her father and uncle Terry, already devouring their food, but she enjoyed the company. Her father had quickly ended his fatherly caution over their engagement after the trip out to sea.
"I promised you dinner with me every week" he reminded with a teasing tone and she waved a hand in dismissal. She didn't care about dinner with him but being at his side. Thankfully, the Templars had laid quiet since last year but she expected that silence to eventually break. For him, he didn't want their engagement to appear like a simple change in their relationship that would be forgotten. She deserved more than what he could offer after stepping into dangerous missions and he stated quietly, "It would be callous of me not to grant you the deserved attention with our upcoming wedding."
She leaned over to flick one of the beads in his hair and teased gently, "Charmer."
"I am an honest man" he smiled faintly at his simple but truthful way of life because he wouldn't risk his integrity. He would never lie to gain the upper hand and would disapprove of such actions in anybody else. Being direct with the truth was his way while anything deceptive was not acceptable.
"Melting cheese on top of a baked potato is delicious" Caroline gushed happily to her hot meal as she dug her spoon into the soft potato to scoop out the filling. She had requested a mountain peak of cheese on her baked potato while her fish chowder rested beside her in a bread bowl to cool off. Although he offered to buy her more food, it was more than enough and she didn't want to appear like a globe on her wedding date.
"Better than the chowder in the bread bowl?" he joked to her enthusiasm for dinner while he had ordered the popular smoked ribs to try them. He could not ignore the delicious smell emanating through the rear of the inn. Unfortunately, he didn't realize how messy they were with the marinade but Norris and Myriam drove away any embarrassment when they devoured theirs without stop. With reluctance, he had removed his gloves to avoid making a mess of his clothes.
"Both are clear winners" she answered peppily to the delicious food that failed to change with the inn and hoped the innkeepers would gain eternal life from it. Despite the heat and light wind trailing in through the open windows, she would eat the creamy hot soup. With that in mind, her blue eyes quickly targeted her napkin to save her sweating forehead in a jiffy.
"Are you sure that's enough cheese?" Myriam teased her friend with a laugh to the humorous peak poking out above the potato. Her friend had lingered for a minute with Walter while he shredded the cheese on top of her potato until she was satisfied.
"I was about to ask the same" Martha chided from across the bar with an amused smirk that stirred Caroline to frown with protest. She and Walter were beginning the evening shift while the innkeepers ended the day shift. Caroline's frequent visits there meant she would have to be her server more than once a month, much to her chagrin. For the older redhead, however, it was to keep a silent eye on her sister's safety during heavy hours while enjoying the fabulous food. The Mile's End had become the most popular spot in Davenport as everyone met to mingle, travelers passed by, lumberjacks and sailors dropped by, and extra farmhands ordered their meals of the day. As the town began to thrive, there was no question that the inn would need the extra hands and the innkeepers were happy to see the engaged couple following in their footsteps.
Caroline scoffed indignantly to the idea that it was too much for one potato and her partner assured, "You can have all the cheese you want."
"I'd marry you off those words alone" she whistled with admiration before laughing to the friendly camaraderie between them. She loved her fiancé's acceptance of her quirks and their circle of friends was mutual enough that they all felt like family. Just like her parents had found the Galloways, Caroline hoped she had found Myriam and Norris to be her couple counterpart. Well, if they finally began courting, that is.
Her miner friend had yet to strike with his newest gambit to gain her heart but the couple expected it to be soon. So far, he was pining for the huntress while Myriam was none the wiser. Caroline kept poking her friend to take the plunge first and break convention but Myriam worried about chasing him away. She was already pushing the gender boundaries by hunting and dressing androgynously.
While the quartet enjoyed their meal in the tavern, the main door opened and a stranger walked in. The group inside immediately recognized the elderly stranger to being a religious man by his dark garb. The chatter inside the inn came to an abrupt silence when he scuttled inside, shutting the door quietly, before nervously meeting their gazes. He appeared skittish but humble as he approached the bar to ask the innkeepers, "Excuse me. Might I impose upon the kindness in your heart to give bed and board to a weary traveler?"
Oliver cleaned a glass mug, observing the stranger's appearance before returning another inquiry, "Oh, a traveler from where?"
His English accent was hard to miss when he answered calmly, "Across an ocean. London."
Godfrey swallowed his bite of buttered bread before bursting out in mocking laughter, "English? Ha ha ha!"
Caroline tried her best not to grin at her father's bold reaction and hushed gently from across, "Boban, no. Be kind."
Martha clacked the heel of her shoe on the hardwood floor to draw her father's attention as well. Did he forget she and her sister were present? She didn't want anybody embarrassed, especially her future in-laws. Caroline dipped her spoon into her hot chowder and raised it to Martha's face level with a peace offering, wagging her eyebrows comically. The brunette glared with protest to the childish pacification but silently sliced a few pieces of cheese to place them on Caroline's napkin. Her elder sister beamed gleefully for the freebie which led both of their fiancés to chuckle in amusement.
The lumberjack listened to his daughters for their sake since his ale was causing loose lips. Terry merely shook his head while hiding his laughter behind his hand, amused by his friend's assertive nature. The newcomer raised his hands to maintain peace and clear any presumptions about him, "Rest assured I'm not the King's man."
Corrine gently waved her hand below the bar for Martha to fill a bowl and the brunette listened. Within seconds, the unknown traveler was served his meal of the evening and she handed over a cloth napkin to prevent messes at the counter. She was still becoming familiar with interacting with unknown travelers and moved behind Walter to continue her work. The stranger nodded to the quartet before thanking their generosity to serve him, "A great kindness. Bless you."
Terry wagged a finger to follow his friend's coattails because he wouldn't have the innkeepers lose profit. If he was truly hungry, the old couple wouldn't mind but they weren't going to be a free picking for everyone traveling through town. The summer brought strange faces due to their main road for travelers heading west. With new kind faces, there were also ominous intentions and he blurted cautiously, "We work hard for what we have here, old man. What is it you do exactly?"
He didn't want to incense the patrons with his arrival and reasoned simply, "I wish to provide God for those who seek His salvation, not spoon-feed His word to those who already have their own."
Clearing his throat, he added in under his breath with a grim tone, "An outlook not shared by the Monarchy."
His outlook on religion relieved the town with their preference to practice teachings in everyday life, not be controlled by it. Godfrey's family simply sat down on Sundays after dinner to read a few passages while Terry read a chosen passage after breakfast to bless them for the day. Without a church, the majority practiced alone within the confines of their home to maintain that spiritual connection. Amelia had tried putting together a weekend gathering by Lance's home due to the flat land but bugs soon decided to feast upon the parishioners and their snacks. Once the women began to run around to flee the insects and Terry hurled a chair at the bees, Amelia called it quits.
Lance, who sat in the rear with David, scratched his forehead to the prospect of religion being nearby and murmured, "Lord knows some of us have things to confess."
"It can't be that bad" Big Dave laughed to his friend's sudden modesty but the red cheeks only raised his laughter.
Myriam scoffed to his embarrassment because their way of life was a bit unconventional but not immoral. There were some things that were meant to be questioned in life. She wasn't one to follow the bible strictly but she read her passages to practice and improve her reading skills. She might not have had an education but she knew right from wrong. The huntress smirked at the flustered carpenter and joked with a soft laugh, "We're not heathens, O'Donnell."
Caroline shifted in her seat, casually tapping her chin before stating with mirth, "Eh, I might be."
Ratonhnhaké:ton shook his head with amusement to her confession but Caroline merely winked at him. She was aware that their relationship was taboo in mainstream society and although she would earn disdain from it, cared little. Her town, family, and friends accepted them and only that mattered to her.
Her father chuckled from his table, not surprised by her bold claim, and lectured with little authority, "Carrie, don't let your mother hear you."
She was quick to peer out the nearest window for signs of an angry resident in canary yellow and blue. At seeing the coast was clear, she picked up a slice of cheese to chew on and declared, "I don't think her hearing crosses across the road. At least, I pray it doesn't."
"That could be where Elizabeth gets it from" Norris suggested with admiration to the little redhead's ability to hear the softest conversation. Even when he set off an explosion, she managed to elude the stubborn ringing in the ears and was quick to fetch a wheelbarrow to clear the entrance. Like Caroline, he also scanned the room to make sure the young girl wasn't hiding nearby and listening in.
Corrine looked to her husband after sharing silent nights with their bible and divulged, "Ollie and I have been missing our Sunday mass."
Ellen took the proactive stance by approaching the newcomer and smiled politely to the other residents, "I'd like Maria to read the bible. I'm sure if we all pitched in, we could build a church. If you'd be our pastor."
Turning to their de facto leader, she clasped her hands together and asked for his input, "Connor?"
Caroline patted his right shoulder to encourage her gentle wolf and smiled broadly, "Go on, Guv'nor."
Myriam flicked her thumb towards him and informed their new potential resident with enthusiasm, "He's our town boss."
"No, I'm not" he refuted hastily to the numerous names and roles that had landed in his lap upon arriving. His exploration throughout the colonies simply happened to coincide with people needing help and he had supplied it. The townsfolk shared a gaze of amusement to his refusal, accustomed to it by now, and he stepped forward to greet the man, "Welcome... minister?"
The elderly man chuckled to his uncertainty and corrected kindly, "Father. Father Timothy."
"Welcome to Davenport" Ratonhnhaké:ton replied politely at seeing half the town voting for a new church. Nobody appeared upset about his decision so he decided that his choice was justified. The priest nodded gently with a kind smile to finding his new home, raising a hand in welcome to the patrons. By having everyone's attention, Ratonhnhaké:ton motioned to the gathered crowd to introduce each of them to break the ice between them, "These are the Millers, Oliver and Corrine, our kind innkeepers."
"A pleasure" Corrine chuckled softly to having a new face around town and Oliver nodded to the new father to avoid contaminating his hands on the job.
"This is Myriam Davis, our huntress in town and Maurice Levesque, our town miner" he continued to introduce but the duo engaged in a hushed whisper about a second order. The two quieted instantly to hearing their names and waved with awkward smiles at the priest.
"Norris is just as good" the miner replied warmly with a bright smile before returning to his meal. Or more likely, to hide away for a moment.
Caroline snickered impishly to their reactions until her ears grew hot to hearing her name, "Caroline Burnett splits her work between the lumber mill and the Aquila, which is my frigate."
She uttered a meek hello out of unfamiliarity to religious figures and smiled in relief when Walter introduced himself with a friendly smile, "I'm Walter Rolfe, the innkeeper's grandson, and this is my fiancée, Martha Burnett."
"The Burnetts are the largest family in town and own the lumber mill" Ratonhnhaké:ton explained when Timothy tried to determine the similarities between Martha and Caroline. The two shared very little physically, apart from their freckles and fair skin, causing the two to chuckle modestly. Pointing to the table where the lumberjacks sat, he introduced his first residents, "Godfrey Burnett is their father and the co-owner of the lumber mill alongside Terry Galloway. They are the lumberjacks in town and most of the homes here contain their lumber."
Godfrey's guard dropped at seeing his future son-in-law invite the man to live among them. His judge of character was rarely wrong so he would rest his reservations for now. The Scotsmen nodded to the father before returning to refill their mugs. Caroline smiled gently to their acceptance, relieved that a protective ruckus was averted, and informed him, "They're not as chatty past sunset but you're good."
"Ellen Wilson is our town seamstress and tailor" Ratonhnhaké:ton continued as he motioned to the rear of the inn where the second group congregated. He was starting to see a trend between generations as the youngest stuck to the front, followed by the next age groups in the center tables.
Ellen had been sipping an ale mug and quickly set it aside with an awkward smile for being caught. Alcohol and women weren't seen as a good mixture in religion but she snuck in one or two when stressed. With Maria being tutored by Amelia, she had taken a break at the inn to escape work for a few hours. The others burst into laughter to her humble disposition and Ratonhnhaké:ton saved her further embarrassment by moving on, "Lance O'Donnell is our carpenter and David Walston is our blacksmith."
"Everyone calls me Big Dave" the latter man informed to make it easier to remember and offered a friendly wave.
"The rest of our townsfolk are either at home or wandering about town" Ratonhnhaké:ton finished modestly to welcome Timothy and the elderly man nodded with thanks. He motioned with his hand to the untouched soup bowl and the father took a seat to eat his meal. Caroline mimicked silent clapping when Ratonhnhaké:ton returned to his stool to finish his mashed potatoes. Had he done a good job?
Martha set out a few pieces of sliced bread for him and the sisters smiled innocently when his eyes questioned them. They were going to fill him like a stuffed turkey at this rate. Was this going to be future once he married into her family? He realized that he would also be tied to the Millers through Martha and found that oddly comforting. His lone tree of life was branching off and converging with multiple trees, filling him with happiness.
He smiled faintly when Walter shooed the playful sisters apart to set down a water pitcher for the group. The younger couple's eyes widened like owls during a storm when Godfrey's voice thundered, "Guess that makes it easier for Martha's wedding. How much for a wedding ceremony, Father Timothy?"
Martha's lips parted with shock to his innocent query and she managed to state with a firm tone, "We're expected to marry until October, not tomorrow."
Were her parents eager to hitch her off quickly? She was still trying to figure out the transition from being a single lady to a married one. Her life would be uprooted from her family home to the new one being built behind the inn. There was no rush on her part or Walter's! It's not like they had a pregnancy out of wedlock to worry about.
Caroline spotted the hasty tapping on the counter from her little sister and turned around to chide him gently, "Oh, boban. He just arrived."
He didn't mean anything by it and figured there was no harm in planning ahead. Godfrey hesitated for a moment as he sipped his ale before declaring confidently, "Make it two weddings. Anybody else need a wedding ceremony? Myriam? Ellen?"
Ellen came close to spitting out her drink and clutched her chest to the awful idea, blurting swiftly, "Heavens no, I'm still settling in."
Also, I'm pretty sure we separated only, she thought with distaste because divorce proceedings in the colonies were delicate matters. Unless her life was in grave danger with solid proof, there was no other choice but to stay married. She often thought about applying for divorce at the Boston courthouse, especially with having multiple witnesses to her abuse, but the risk of losing her life savings and daughter was also in jeopardy. She was glad to have met Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline that winter morning to begin her new life, especially for Maria. For now, it would suffice while she planned her next steps.
Myriam chuckled to Ellen's alarmed face to the marriage prospect while she had a more laidback reaction to that bleak idea, "You might get a simultaneous wedding and funeral from me."
Norris' shoulders slumped automatically while Father Timothy was delighted to hear wedding bells. The raging conflict had transformed peaceful life in the cities into chaos but it appeared that the countryside was still untouched. His arrival came just in time and he pushed back his empty bowl to regale, "What joyous occasions. If we don't have a church, we can have it elsewhere. The Lord sees all."
"I actually like that idea" Caroline whispered to her fiancé as he nibbled on a piece of bread. He offered an unintelligible mumble in mid-bite before settling on a decent nod. They didn't require anything fancy, just a simple ceremony.
Martha and Ellen were quick to reprimand in unison to the last church-related outing, "Remember the bees!"
Caroline batted the air around her to dissuade any negativity, prompting Father Timothy to ask, "Are you one of the brides-to-be?"
"Aye, and this is my dearest, Ratonhnhaké:ton" she agreed proudly before grabbing her partner's right arm, stopping him from his next bite. He accepted in defeat that the delicious ribs would have to wait to be devoured.
"Or Connor, for short" he reminded carefully before his two names confused the newcomer even more. She was the only one who used his true name and the one who mattered most. His concern came more from the fact of how his people were seen by colonists. So far, everywhere they traveled led to uncomfortable leering.
Godfrey stood up from his chair to protect his children and warned with fatherly defense, "I don't want any lip about their relationship. He's a good son as any."
"Thank you, Mr. Burnett" Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled warmly with pride to being deemed good enough by those that shared no bloodlines with him. He had always managed to pull the town together to protect any resident in trouble but now, they were pulling together for him. He never felt like an outsider among them which was why Davenport had now become home for him.
Father Timothy was not the conservative type because the world was a myriad of cultures. The bible could touch the English king's heart as well as the lowliest peasant in the streets; there was no distinction for him. Everyone deserved the same respect based on one's actions but what he disagreed on was its distorted use to justify atrocious behavior. The couple before him carried no malice, only a humble appearance, and he assured, "I do not mind conducting your ceremony. Despite my delight at seeing this blend of cultures, I hate to ask whether you're aware that attaining a license will be impossible?"
Ratonhnhaké:ton lowered his gaze to Caroline, who shared a conflicting glint in her blue eyes, and he voiced reluctantly, "We had a nagging suspicion."
Timothy had quickly learned that the same intolerance from across the sea was being bred in the new colonies. It was harsher in the southern colonies but he didn't understand the quarreling with the natives. So far, his interactions had been peaceful- likely because he didn't preach and try to shove teachings down their throats. Clasping his hands in front of him, he explained the situation to the couple, "This colony is, unfortunately, one that has banned any marriage to non-whites, shortly after the turn of the century. Virginia certainly didn't help in adding natives to that list in 1691, which started the trend. Any city office that you visit for a marriage license will turn you away, children, unless you plan on hiding your roots and deceiving them."
Caroline would've loved to have that little slip of paper but she didn't need colony officials telling her what defined a proper marriage. She should not have to feel belittled or ashamed for loving someone with a different skin tone. He bled the same, cried the same, felt the same, and ate the same as she did. He was human, just like her! Gritting her teeth, she kept a calm mind and answered tightly, "I don't need strangers to tell me who my husband should be. I don't plan on living in the cities and my family approves of him, that's what matters. He will be the only man I have in this life, with or without that slip of paper."
"Caroline" Ratonhnhaké:ton shushed as he placed a supportive hand on her upper back. Her cheeks darkened, whether from anger or embarrassment, and she bit her lower lip. He understood the anguish and uncertainty they would face but their town was meant to be a safe space.
"No, it's not fair that others get to choose who gets a stupid piece of paper that won't even matter when we're dust in the earth" she pointed out with annoyance at the law and their stipulations. Why couldn't she marry the one she loved? Why couldn't someone like Ellen divorce her abusive husband without losing everything? How was that fair in a just world? Her vision blurred to her restrained emotions and she questioned bitterly, "How is this new government better than the crown if we don't have our own freedom to marry who we wish?"
"You don't need that bloody paper" Oliver piped up cheerfully to make that frown disappear and handed her a handkerchief. The redhead accepted it with gratitude and wiped the inner corners of her eyes to avoid becoming a tearful mess. Their year would be full of weddings and he had no plans on stopping them based on the law. Scoffing into the air, the old innkeeper exclaimed with a jolly laugh, "Hell, Corrine and I don't even remember if we even had one!"
"It's probably soggy and wet back in Liverpool" his wife answered with a careless chuckle to the lifelong union. Only death itself would separate them.
"Your mother and I are the same" Godfrey agreed to add his own support and approached his daughter to offer a comforting hug. He didn't want any of his daughters to shed tears over their weddings or Catherine would have a word with him. Caroline smiled when he handed her back to Ratonhnhaké:ton, who intertwined their hands to offer a supportive squeeze. Glancing at the young couple, he encouraged them with a firm tone, "If anybody tries to tell me she's not my wife, they better know how to run."
"You don't need that paper, kid" Terry dismissed easily with disdain because half of the married couples there didn't have one. He and Diana lived in the countryside and traveling into the cities would have been too much work that they couldn't afford back when they farmed. The words of wisdom lightened Caroline's heart and her unofficial uncle pointed out, "All that matters is that you'll take care of each other and pull through every hurdle in life."
Caroline nodded quietly before hugging the love of her life, worried about their future. Martha had warned her years ago but she'd brushed it off as baseless nagging. There would never be another like him in her life so he would live with him illegally if she needed to. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't want their evening to sour after a great start and asserted, "You're in my heart, I don't need a paper to prove it."
"He'll be our brother-in-law, no matter what anyone says" Martha assured her sister to wash away the negative side of their union. She had been a nagger years ago from ignorance but if there was one couple that deserved that stupid license, it was them. Regardless of what society thought, she would see them as a married couple.
Walter agreed with his fiancée and pointed at Ratonhnhaké:ton to remind cheekily, "You're already in the legal papers of my business with Carrie as your benefactor so the law can't deny that."
Godfrey waved his hands to end the whole marriage license debacle and asked, "Father Timothy, we don't care about the shoddy government license. Can you give these kids of mine a ceremony?"
There was an easy and simple answer for that, leading him to agree, "Of course. Now, Connor, what do you know about our Lord? Not what the English crown boasts."
Ratonhnhaké:ton hesitated to answer because he was more ingrained in the spiritual teachings with his culture. Releasing a nervous breath, he admitted sheepishly, "Not very much. I have glanced at Caroline's bible when there's time-"
"He prefers the New Testament but he hasn't read the end" Caroline interjected with a faint smile and hoped nobody burst the ending for him. They weren't religious and she wasn't aiming to conform to her beliefs. He would often sit around after dinner on Sundays to hear her mother read the bible but that was it. They were more focused on keeping peace and she answered, "We haven't figured out the perfect blend of ideologies yet but our food is amazing."
Father Timothy chuckled to her renewed enthusiasm and accepted their current knowledge. Seeing as he was now a new member in town, he stated calmly, "That's quite all right. When you two are ready with a wedding date, let me know."
"Even without the license?" Caroline blurted with surprise and quickly shut her mouth to place her hands over it. She had expected a simple blessing, not a true ceremony like the one Martha would have.
"Really?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked uncertainly because religious figures were firm and unyielding in his experience. He had seen them pass by once in his childhood when the missionaries traveled north and being called a dirty heathen had not been encouraging.
"If the government outlawed reading bibles, mine would still sit on my dining table" he replied evenly without pause because he practiced its teachings, not dictated what others should do. He was not an oppressor or using the bible as a shield for manipulative means to soothe his own guilty conscience. He had been ridiculed for thinking progressively and his long journey for a home had come to an end. Motioning to Ratonhnhaké:ton, he asked her carefully, "Will you stop loving this man if they order you not to?"
Caroline shook her head quietly, surprised to the acceptance, and he smiled to claim, "You will be married before God and your loved ones, that is what matters."
8 July 1777
The Myriam debacle required resolution and although Big Dave had given Norris his commissioned knife, he had still not given it to her. Whether from nerves or fear of rejection, he had kept it tucked away in his bedroom to avoid losing it. Otherwise, his gift and money would be gone. He tried giving it to her in the spring but bailed at seeing she was busy preparing for the hunting season and trapping a few pelts for Ellen. The tailor had become Myriam's new contract and she wouldn't let down a patron.
The arrival of summer brought teeming wildlife that was long out of hibernation and full of food after having their fill in spring. This was Myriam's time to shine which placed him in a rough spot to either act or fall back. He had carried his torch of affection for years and it was overdue for him to make a move. Seeing the Burnett sisters marry off to their suitors while he had nothing to show for his own sentiments was disappointing. He didn't want to continue pining over her but his nerves bested him at times.
He decided that a pep talk to hearten his spirit would help because today would be the day. Nothing would get in his way and he would know the truth to put his mind and heart to rest. Taking a deep breath, he reassured himself, "She will like it. It is perfect. No reason to be nervous."
Even the word brought a tight clench over his stomach and he cleared his throat to repeat, "Vas-y, Maurice, c'est rien."
Turning around, he yelped into the air with fear as he came face-to-face with Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline. The couple had been traversing the same lone road but a twist brought the trio into contact. Norris released an embarrassed breath before laughing awkwardly to his luck. At least it hadn't been Myriam.
Placing a hand over his beating heart, he released a breath of relief, "Connor."
Caroline stifled laughter, not towards Norris, but at Ratonhnhaké:ton when he released her hand out of modesty. They had been taking a walk around the trail for a regular perimeter check and to spend time alone. Despite being engaged, her valiant boyfriend turned shy in public. He tried to figure out what to do with his hands before finally crossing his arms to reply awkwardly, "Norris! What are you doing out here?"
Her laughter burst forth to the men's awkwardness on the trail and she teased gently, "Can't you see he's boosting his confidence with a pep talk? We should do that more often."
"Colonists are strange" he stated flatly because his people would think one mad for speaking aloud in the empty forest. The words flowing from one's mouth were to be meaningful and meant to be heard by another.
She flicked his left ear in playful reprimand, causing him to frown. What had happened to honesty being key? Their laidback demeanor and playful nature lowered Norris' guard. Out of all the townsfolk, they would understand his plight and he explained, "I want to give Myriam her knife."
He held out the concealed knife in its leather sheath before proposing with a hopeful smile, "Maybe you come with me?"
They could never deny him any aid and Ratonhnhaké:ton agreed instantly, "Of course. What is keeping you?"
"I am nervous" he confessed quickly as he ran a hand over his forehead and tucked the knife away on his belt. The ball of nerves was squeezing his stomach and breaking out his skin in goosebumps. This was without even seeing her!
Ratonhnhaké:ton understood the position he was in because he had one hell of a time earning Caroline's agreement. The first time had been easy as walking, despite the nerves eating through him, but the second was practically a feat of strength. They pushed each other's vulnerabilities to expose fears and truths, all while pinning each other to a wall. He would only repeat it with fewer tears being involved and keeping the same passionate fervor. That was their reunion so he could only wonder about their wedding night.
He and Caroline had bought enough gifts for each other like the lines in their palms. The same applied to Norris after two years of friendship with Myriam and he assured, "I am certain she will love the blade you made for her."
Norris wasn't so easily convinced about that and doubled back on his confidence to declare, "What am I doing? Giving a woman a knife as a gift? It's so stupid!"
"This is something she will appreciate and use" Ratonhnhaké:ton pointed out to remind him of the hours spent trying to figure out the perfect gift. Caroline had brought them lunch at the mine while they brainstormed. They were both more than ready to see Norris present his gift and receive the final verdict to his unanswered sentiments.
Caroline nodded to jump into her partner's train wagon and encouraged, "I agree, you matched the owner to her gift."
Their gentle nudge of care stirred one last flame of courage in the miner and he sighed aloud before finally agreeing with reluctance, "I made the stupid thing. I might as well give it to her."
"That a boy!" she congratulated with a hearty pat on the shoulder and added in, "And it's not stupid."
The two escorted Norris to Myriam's homestead, uttering a nonstop barrage of compliments and encouragement. By the time they were finished, they could've basted five turkeys with the figurative stuffing they had gifted their friend. They didn't want his courage withering because it was a long time coming that he profess his feelings for her. Norris hesitated on approaching the huntress when her small cabin appeared but the couple gave him a gentle shove to put him on the spot. For his sake, they hoped he didn't bolt into the tree line.
Myriam was quickly filling her hunting satchel with ammunition while Bullseye dangled over her back from its strap across her chest. Their friend was on the move and the couple quickly poked the miner to get the conversation going. With a nervous breath, Norris took two steps forward and greeted her quietly, "Allo, Myriam."
Her head snapped up to their arrival, not sensing them as her mind ran through her hunting checklist. She couldn't head out without properly checking off each item to avoid mistakes or injuries on the field. Raising her right hand in welcome, she smiled warmly, "Hello, Norris, Connor, Carrie. I'd love to stay and chat but I promised Ellen a bale of furs this week and am not even close to making good. I need to get out into the bush right away."
Ratonhnhaké:ton wanted his friends to have time to discuss their unresolved feelings. Otherwise, the conundrum would leave Norris depressed and Myriam with confusion. Stepping forward, he offered his assistance to help her task along, "Two hunters are better than one. I can help if you like."
Norris saw his chance withering away, especially when faced with two others that could hold their own in a fight. How could he compete with that? Withdrawing from the conversation, he stepped back and offered half-heartedly, "Maybe I will return."
Caroline loved her partner's selfless nature but this was one time where it wasn't needed. If anything, poor Norris was the one that needed the helping hand. She didn't want him to run off disappointed from another failed attempt and stated firmly, "I will help her. It'll give us girls some conversation."
"Then I will keep an eye from afar" he stated because he wasn't going to let her run off alone into the deep woods. The bobcat attack during her youth remained in his mind and he would always protect her. Caroline shot him a look of amusement to his protectiveness but nodded with agreement. It was best to have him in the distance than leave him worried.
Myriam's face brightened to the extra help from her friend and smiled with relief, "Would you? I'd be much obliged."
Ratonhnhaké:ton took this chance to push Norris forward from behind and the miner chuckled awkwardly. It was now or never. Retrieving the sheathed knife from his belt, he held it out to her and managed to control his voice to say, "I bring something for you. Maybe it will help."
She took the knife with hesitant surprise, not expecting a gift that day. How did he know she needed a new hunting knife? Her hunting and trapping made quick work of a blade's sharpness and even David advised her she needed a new set. The best she had gotten was a butcher knife that she bought from Corrine to cut her meat and a smaller knife from a trip to Boston for cleaning her catches. Her fingers tightened over the hilt of the hunting knife and she smiled with gratitude, "I really must get moving. I will thank you properly when I get back...until then."
Myriam surprised all three when she leaned forward to kiss Norris on the cheek. Even the miner stood still as a statue to the unbelievable but welcome action. She accepted his gift! Ratonhnhaké:ton came to his senses first before nudging his partner, who quickly blinked and cleared her throat to hide her girlish laughter.
The huntress didn't linger on her spur of the moment kiss and informed the redhead, "Meet me at my northernmost hunting blind after you take your first skin."
The two women walked away from the men, leaving Ratonhnhaké:ton cautious to their hunting while Norris was soaring on a happy high. Releasing a sigh when the women disappeared into the tree line, he laughed merrily to tell his friend, "I did not expect that outcome, thank you!"
"Do not waste the chance" the assassin advised to avoid the two becoming like he and Caroline back in 1775. Like himself, Norris was modest in his approach and became flustered by the opposite sex. Unlike himself, however, he was not shrouded in constant danger and had more time to spend with Myriam to build a relationship.
Within the forest, Myriam caught the excited gleam in her friend's blue eyes and asked flatly, "What?"
"You kissed him on the cheek" she squealed girlishly with joy to seeing her friend come out of her shell for Norris. His peppy nature softened Myriam's tendencies to be solitary, drawing her closer to the townsfolk from the moment they met. They complemented each other's weaknesses and strengths, prompting her to say, "I've never seen anything so feminine from you."
"It was nothing" she shot back to brush aside her spur of the moment action. The only reason she had done it without concern was out of trust for Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline. Aside from Norris, they were her best friends.
"Mm-hmm, my little eye says otherwise" Caroline chuckled impishly to her subtle charms and wagged her eyebrows in emphasis. Myriam scoffed indignantly with a wave of the hand to her innocent heckling, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink. The redhead didn't seek to embarrass her and encouraged her effort to find her partner in the world. Last year, she expected her to tie down Norris first but her maelstrom with Ratonhnhaké:ton beat them. She smiled warmly at her friend to speak her mind on the miner, "He's a good man. If he does not ask you to court, there's nothing wrong with asking him."
Myriam would be pushing social boundaries at that point and muttered, "I'd be breaking every social tradition."
"I'm a walking rule breaker here" the redhead laughed cheekily at her unconventional life but she did try to conform to tradition for her mother's sake. Otherwise, she would have simply hollered that she and Ratonhnhaké:ton would live in sin and run off into the sunset. There were social norms already against them as women and she confessed her sentiments, "If I wanted to follow the rules, I would've chosen a good ol' family acquaintance and settled into the life of a housewife at a logging camp or a farmstead. I don't want that. I want my log cabin in the woods with Connor as my husband and our ship of adventure. We only live one life, Myriam, and we should make it a good one."
"Wise words" she agreed softly to ponder over her future, especially with a war raging for independence. Did she want to live the conventional life or continue down the road that made her most happy?
Their hunt for wolf pelts had gone off without a hitch- that is, until gunshots echoed in the distance. Caroline had been placing her newest catch on the platform when her entire body tensed to the harsh sound. The sound of it told her that it wasn't Myriam's rifle but a smaller weapon like her pistol. Ratonhnhaké:ton was quiet in his attacks which left the gunshots as an anomaly. She didn't like that at all because it meant an intruder was on their land.
Ratonhnhaké:ton had the same idea from his covert location while he trailed behind the women. Big Dave crafted their bullets and the townfolk knew of each other's favorite weapons. When there was a new sound that echoed in the wind, it was time to investigate. Soon enough, he heard Myriam's distressed voice in the distance, "Carrie? Connor? Could use a little help here!"
Caroline was still at a far distance but she heard her friend's faint call, leaping from her perch to return to her. Hoping to make it in time, she took a shortcut to that specific area of the forest. Ratonhnhaké:ton, however, was closest and he was the first to barrel onto the scene. His friend was in a serious scuffle as she used her rifle to block the attacks of a knife and pistol from an intruding poacher.
He recognized the poacher, remembering the man's face from Myriam's arrival. It was the damage caused to her lower leg from his knife that led her to staying in Davenport. He had not expected to see the man again after scaring him off as a young teenager, letting him escape with a warning. It was at that moment that he understood why Achilles wanted him to eliminate Templars to avoid them returning with a stronger force. If he let the man escape again, who was to say he wouldn't attempt another attack in the future?
Clearly, this man had not learned his lesson and it would be his last. Despite the passing years and his maturation into adulthood, the intruder recognized the native and blurted fearfully, "Bloody hell. Not him!"
He took off like lightning to escape the young man he had encountered, to which Ratonhnhaké:ton gave chase. Myriam was standing on her own without a problem and he expected Caroline to reach her while he handled the intruder. He tore through the forest with the ferocity of an alpha wolf protecting his pack, shoving aside small branches in his path as he called out, "The time for forgiveness has passed!"
"Please don't kill me! I'll never come back!" the man pleaded but he had fallen for it before and it would not happen again. What would stop him from coming back next year or ten years from now? He would not allow anyone to breach their land with the intent to harm his people. What if he wasn't here to protect them?
His anger flared when the man shot wildly into the air behind him, trying to strike him. Did he think shooting randomly would scare him off? That only served to fuel his resolve and he grabbed his tomahawk to target the man's back. He would kill anyone that dared to harm civilians because if it had not been Myriam as his target, it could have been Caroline or Norris.
Ratonhnhaké:ton was close to tackling the intruder and ending his life with his weapon to end the matter. He faltered with alarm when Caroline emerged from the trees in front of the poacher. Without hesitation, she raised her pistol to eye level and he dodged out of the way just as two shots rang out. Caroline struck her target in the head and chest to kill the poacher quickly, aware that he wouldn't have granted Myriam the same.
Her partner bounded up to her as he finished the chase, sighing aloud to her sudden interference. Wasn't she supposed to be close to Myriam?! Not in the dangerous radius of a gun-wielding poacher! He didn't want her alone in any active gunfight. Pointing to the dead heap on the forest floor, he murmured flatly, "He was my foe."
Caroline reloaded her gun carefully, smiling gently to the pout on his lips, and corrected cheekily, "He's everyone's foe for attempting to hurt Myriam. He got in the way of my pistol and Lady rectified it."
He wasn't amused by her joke and his gaze lingered over her with worry, sweeping from her head downwards. When there was no sign of blood on her or a disheveled appearance, his tense shoulders relaxed. She was safe. His heart relaxed its sudden hike in concern for her wellbeing, reminding himself that she could handle herself well in the outdoors now.
"I'm fine, dearest" she assured kindly, holstering her weapon, and kissed his cheek. She pulled him away from the dead corpse by the arm and led him deeper into the forest. They could return later to bury the dead poacher once they were assured that Myriam was safe. His arms clutched her by the shoulders to close the distance, squeezing her tightly, and her heart fluttered happily to his token of affection. Returning his hug around the waist, she smiled widely to tease her brave assassin, "An eye from afar, huh? You must have gained god-like speed just now."
He decided not to answer that one and save his pride to avoid appearing overbearing. Caroline simply chuckled warmly to his natural worry as her protector and pressed her lips to his. She understood his vulnerability for losing loved ones but she couldn't live a sheltered life. He smiled modestly to the flurry of small pecks to his lips, comforted by the affection, and she grabbed his left hand to return to Myriam.
Their friend was bundling her collection of catches but they noticed several hairline cuts on her forearms from the attack. Caked rivulets of blood dotted her skin but she paid them no mind, worried about her prized catches. Without them, she would suffer a dent in her livelihood. She chuckled softly when the redhead ran to her to envelop her in a tight hug, promising to kick the asses of all poachers. Having them both at her side was a blessing and she patted the new knife on her belt to smile, "If I hadn't had this blade, that lickspittle might've gutted me."
Caroline released her when Ratonhnhaké:ton gave her a gentle nudge in her lower back. She didn't want to suffocate or keep her friend longer than she should, stuffing down her worry. He placed a comforting hand on Caroline's back and told Myriam with amused subtlety, "A timely gift from Norris, it would seem."
Myriam smiled modestly to her new weapon, fortunate to have it that very day, and murmured softly, "Indeed. I must make sure to thank him properly."
Hoisting her pelts over her shoulder, she bid the couple farewell before heading back to Norris. His sweet nature would keep him bound to her homestead until he knew she was safe. She would be there to meet him with appreciation for his gift and maybe, just maybe she could vocalize her sentiments now. Caroline waved to her friend with encouragement and called out loudly, "Thank him well!"
Ratonhnhaké:ton shook his head with a faint smile to her words, causing her to playfully nudge his side. He groaned to her uncanny ability to find his ticklish spots and wrapped an arm around her shoulders to keep her close. Otherwise, those elbows would cause ticklish chaos. Her laughter echoed through the empty forest as she posed the question, "What is it with men and the crippling fear of courting someone?"
"Our townswomen aren't dainty, they wield guns" he answered bluntly to the women of Davenport that could hold their own. Their town was not made of weak women in the slightest. Her mother and Diana wielded shotguns, Myriam had her rifle, she had her pistols, Prudence survived a bear with a knife, Corrine broke bottles over heads, and Ellen utilized her knitting needles. Elizabeth was now the youngest with a rifle, Martha wielded a frying pan, and Amelia hurled books at people. The only delicate ones were Alice, Ann, and Maria due to being minors. Caroline scoffed humorously to the truth and he didn't hesitate to point out, "Your father is capable of making me and Walter resemble a colander while Myriam could likely skin Norris. You could shoot and stab me five times before I hit the ground."
"You could make me resemble swiss cheese but I'm not scared" she laughed merrily to his rare sarcasm, holding her stomach when it began to cramp. They were both formidable opponents but she didn't doubt for a second that he could take her down first. Leaning against him, she batted her eyelashes at him and smiled charmingly with invite, "Marry me, Ratonhnhaké:ton? Let me bear your children? Tend to your home and bed?"
"You are teasing me horribly today" he muttered flatly but she broke his calm façade, earning a laugh from his end. He always felt comfortable to express himself with her and being in the privacy of the forest, seized that moment. Her laughter was infectious and it decreased any worries that plagued his heart. Leaning down to press a kiss to her temple, he accepted, "Yes, I will be yours."
"My fiancé's about to be wined and dined" she cheered with pride, looping her arm through his to tug him forward. They had done more than their intended hourly trek and the lunchtime crowd would be leaving the inn soon. The quiet ambiance was more their style and she would cater to her loved one, reminding herself aloud with a joke, "Minus the wine and replace it with tea."
22 July 1777
Construction had begun on Martha's home which would sit behind the inn to keep close to the elderly innkeepers and her parents. Unlike her little sister, Caroline had yet to find a location for her homestead that fit her style. She let Martha take the crew for construction after her sister showed her the draft of the home. Her little sister had planned her wedding and homestead farther ahead than she had, leaving her in the dust. Caroline was happy to see her enthusiasm to construct her dream home and was often lending an ear to her inquiries about the wedding. It was quite sweet to bond with her over their weddings and spent time together. This would be the last year that she and Martha would live at home before splitting off to live with their husbands.
So far, nobody had gotten wedding jitters with the pending move and all families hoped it stayed that way. Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline had chosen the lumber for their home back in the early spring and left it in storage at the mill. Godfrey had assessed their choices to ensure a sturdy foundation to last decades and given them homework to find their homestead. With Martha's nuptials coming up in October, the couple continued to eye November or December for their own wedding.
The couple had retreated to the cove to sketch the beginnings of their home and figure out where they would live. They had postponed the task repeatedly but time was quickly catching up to them. There was plenty of land in Davenport to pick from but there was a preference for each of them. Caroline wanted to be within reach of her family while Ratonhnhaké:ton opted for the solitude of nature. At the same time, the two agreed to remain close to the Aquila for missions but within walking distance to the town.
"The area where your family is located is quite dense" he remarked quietly, given the rise of the general store and schoolhouse taking space. A cluster of the residents chose to remain close to the inn which left the two boggled on where to find a decent spot to erect their log cabin. He was not a fan of having little land to wander around in and added in, "The majority of the town is there except for Norris, Myriam, and the Fortier farm."
"We could live across the river?" she suggested with a shrug and pointed to the empty land across the river after the first bend. Norris and the Fortier farm occupied the first leg of the river while the remainder that branched into the forest towards the cove was empty. Their town had build plenty of bridges to maintain easy walking distances, especially during the winter.
That was suitable for him with the ample space that lay close to the forest and he nodded, "I agree."
"The land there is flat, should we farm or raise livestock?" she asked curiously to whether they would work the land for more resources. A vegetable or fruit garden would be sustainable by season and her mother's green thumb would yield helpful advice. Their traveling lifestyle would hamper efforts to work the land like other residents did but their living would be from trade through Davenport's Prospect and the general store. Her own work at the mill and Aquila would bring in extra money for a rainy day.
"We don't need to change the land to suit our needs" he answered because his hands would sustain the land for his family and joy, not for profit. Their personalities were constantly on the move and the rigorous working schedule to maintain livestock or a farm would not be a good fit. He was happy simply tending to the land to balance the earth and remarked with a faint smile, "Fruit trees would be nice."
"I will make you plenty of apple pies" she promised with a fond laugh that stirred one from his end to her witty vow. Her gifted apple tree beautifully bloomed each season and she always had a pie ready for him, even when they hadn't been at their best. She would never forget his thoughtful gifts and the healthy tree was the fruit of her own manual labor. A garden would be their staple instead of livestock and she smiled brightly, "Can I have rolling hills then?"
"I haven't seen any across the river" he replied dejectedly, enjoying the blooming wildflowers on them during summer. That was one request he didn't mind granting after enjoying the high perch of the manor that allowed him to see past the forest into the mountains and cove. Their walks through the flowering hills were memorable for them, especially during their adolescence, and he suggested, "Unless we build the house more south of Norris' place?"
"That's a bit far, it veers away from everyone" she pouted with disillusion to moving that far south, not eager to place that much distance to the interior of Davenport. The convenience of the small businesses within walking distance spoiled her but she also wanted to keep close to her family. For the moment, their home would be inhabited by only them but time would eventually add a child.
She didn't want to be far away from a doctor in an emergency and mentioned worriedly, "Winter would keep us away from town if a snowstorm strikes. What if our babies need a doctor? I can't bear the thought of their suffering while riding in the darkness to reach the closest infirmary."
He smiled tenderly to hearing that maternal flare for the first time and the thought of children warmed his heart. He had been alone most of his life but Caroline had yet to budge from his side, protecting and loving him. His children would bear the same dedication and he would grant her every request when it came to keeping them safe. He would be nothing like his father, treasuring and loving his children, and privately thanked his mother for providing that upbringing for him. Brushing his thumb over the apple of her cheek, he stated softly, "I agree, I don't want our family out of reach."
Ratonhnhaké:ton grabbed the drafted map of Davenport that he sketched after spending a few days perched on a cliff. It provided him the best vantage point to aid in their search. Caroline's brow furrowed as she pointed to certain spots before shaking her head, casting aside her thoughts. He blinked with surprise when he found a midpoint between their desires as it lay between the Aquila and across the main river, parallel to her family home. It was so close and in view that it eluded them completely- how silly.
The cove.
"We could live here" Ratonhnhaké:ton suggested gingerly to the peaceful area and smiled to the gentle breeze from the shady trees. The shore was silent as the water touched the earth lightly before retreating, empty from visitors like it often was. Some residents would fish but they headed further upstream on canoes for the heavier species. It was a tranquil environment for a young couple that sought peace and he smiled to convince her, "With a view like this, I can call this home."
"At the cove?" she asked with amusement to his laidback nature to live in the bare open outdoors. This only increased her interest to see his village and their way of life. The surrounding trees and water were serene, the land fertile enough for planting with the town nearby. It wouldn't be a far distance to town at all, not with the new bridges in place that ran from the main road to Myriam's homestead.
"It intersects our lives" he replied to the significance of the place, remembering the anxiety when he first held her hand. He had been terrified that his sentiments would be discarded due to cultural and physical differences but she had embraced him happily at the cove. It was their favorite place to relax in retreat from the town and he had napped there plenty of times to call it a temporary campsite. Grasping her left hand into his to intertwine their fingers, he smiled with pride, "It is where I professed my feelings for you and it's usually where we always escape to."
She squeezed his hand with a fond smile to their shared memories, fortunate to have her oldest friend as her husband. Caroline peered over the gentle hill that rolled down to the cove but trees covered a majority of the area. They would be concealed but within walking distance of the town, a quaint idyllic life for newlyweds. She had lived next to the rushing river for almost ten years and the quiet cove would signal the beginning of her new life. While Caroline pondered over the coming changes, Ratonhnhaké:ton was already imagining their homestead.
"We can carve a dirt road to our home on that small hill, most of the land there is flat when the trees are cleared" he proposed excitedly while pointing to a hill further west where the area was better suited for clearing a homestead. Heading further east to the mouth that led to the bay, the terrain was more uneven and would not fit their homestead requirements. He had memorized each patch of land in Davenport since arriving which would cut their time in finding available land. Motioning to the trees surrounding the hill, he suggested easily, "We can salvage the trees for furniture, fencing, or kindling. The Aquila will be to the east, your parents to the south, and we will live a short distance from town. It is peaceful here to raise a family and keep our work private."
Caroline couldn't help but laugh when he hopped up to sweep an arm over the hill behind them to declare, "I can build an access road to the river and any pets or livestock can walk downhill. I can commission Patrick or your father for a well so we don't walk far for winter."
Turning his attention to the shore of the cove, he mused aloud, "The dock we built is close by if we want to row a boat to fish or we can build another to enjoy ourselves in the evening. Once we have a child that can walk, I will fence off the entire homestead to prevent an accident."
Kneeling beside her, she chuckled to his humble expression when he grabbed her hands to ask kindly, "May we live here, Caroline?"
The soft tone of his voice convinced her to grant him that one wish. He deserved nothing but happiness in his life with the chaos that surrounded him once he left Davenport. She wanted to give him the best home possible and he picked a gorgeous spot to build a homestead. Squeezing his hands, she leaned forward to kiss his lips and whispered, "Yes. . . that sounds perfect."
She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders to hug him tightly, kissing his cheek with a laugh. He had never steered her wrong and knew their home would be a paradise. They already lived in a great town. Running her fingers through his sleek onyx hair, she chuckled softly, "We can outline a road from the bridge so visitors don't get lost."
"I will build you anything you want" Ratonhnhaké:ton promised in return, touching his forehead to hers. Both gazes reflected joy to their new decision as a couple and he felt light enough to walk on air! Being at her side filled him with nothing but happiness. What else could he ask of the woman he loved? She was perfect for him and he hoped to fulfill the same.
"This is our forever home" she agreed with a smile of accomplishment as she marked an X for their homestead location on the map. By the end of the year, they would move into their permanent home. She couldn't wait to walk its halls and furnish each room to keep them safe and warm for years. He rolled up the map to tuck it into his coat pocket to hand it to Godfrey upon their return to her home. The next step would be designing the layout of their log cabin and she sighed dreamily, "A home of our own."
A/N: Sorry for the late chapter but life, grad school, and work (especially work) caused me to fall behind in writing. Still, this chapter is out and I'm glad! We finally have Norris and Myriam- hallelujah! Another couple forms and by the end of 1777, they will all tie the knot. I had to research interracial marriages in the American colonial era to see who was allowed to marry who, which was really awkward given modern times, lol. It was illegal to marry anyone of slave or African descent but once women started marrying natives, the law decided to include them too. Jeez. Anyway, our Connor and Carrie say heck to the legalization of it all and they're still getting hitched.
Thank you to my readers as always and my reviewers:
East Coast Captain: Human longevity can be surprising, especially in older eras before the 1700s. Apart from the journal, I almost want Haytham's hidden blades to fall into Connor's possession after their battle. He could use one for the Assassin cause once more and store the other two (his and Haytham's) to hand over to his son once he's of age. Connor's oldest will continue the journal tradition and keep her grandfather's and father's journals to pass them onto the next generation. I haven't decided how to pan out the story past the main storyline (keep it as one? rename it?) but I have written a timeline full of goodies for the Davenport town well into the 1800s.
Taylor115: Yeah, they were adorable as youngsters and now they're grown up. Still cute though. I'm glad my rendition of Godfrey matches your roots and family! We officially have Myriam and Norris, and we'll definitely see Connor's tribe as well.
Chriswill02: Given that the story is in its 50+ chapters, I'm glad it didn't feel tediously slow with the growth. Connor was an innocent kid trying to find his way in the world and learn who to trust while Caroline was trying to find her own place and survive the harshness of it. Together, they make a solid team as adults and pick each other up when they trip. Haytham's reaction only hurls the two into another explosive conversation that needs intervention by Caroline and Robert. The multigenerational saga is a thought floating in my head because I hate how Desmond was killed off and wanted to find another way to save the poor guy via others that share his bloodline. It would also tie together the finality of the Templar-Assassin war to tackle the Inu threat (namely, Juno and her minions).
Merrick15: Elizabeth will definitely become involved faster than Samuel since he's the youngest out of the group. After the battle of Monmouth, the chapters become Davenport centered and our last little redhead begins training. I could see Connor inkling to changing his name to Kenway once Haytham passes and he gains perspective into who he was. He'll also learn about grandpa Edward during their 1778 trip as well. I can't wait for 1778!
Danelleprae: Nah, I feel the same too on her growing up, haha. Don't worry, they will still travel. I was reading up on maritime couples that sailed together on their ships between 1700-1900 so if they can do it, I'm sure our power couple can do the same. I actually struggled with figuring out when to give them the first baby. Originally, I was going to wait after the main storyline is over to marry the two but I couldn't do that to the lovebirds- I put them through the wringer. Then, I remembered that birth control was nonexistent back then and a baby would be inbound at some point. I decided to have their baby born during the three year period after Monmouth to give them a sense of family before they finish their mission. Their oldest daughter will be the one to continue the Assassins, not to mention inherit Haytham's journal and Connor's, so those early memories of seeing her parents fight for a just cause pushes her into action when the War of 1812 erupts. Aw man, my babies from chapter 1 all grew up! :(
iHateFridays: Thank you for loving this story, I appreciate it!
Next Chapter Excerpt:
Caroline stretched her arms happily over her head, peering out at the calming blue water of the cove. She had walked with Ratonhnhaké:ton to their secret getaway area at his request. What he had planned . . . she had absolutely no idea. The only thought that surfaced was that it was related to their home. Either way, she had brought along a wicker basket full of snacks so they could enjoy a few hours to themselves.
"You're likely wondering why you're here?" he asked softly, setting down the piece of bread he was nibbling on. Folding up his cloth napkin, he set his snack back inside the wicker basket and stood up to approach his partner.
She smiled contently, shrugging nonchalantly to the peaceful ambiance of the cove. They had chosen the new fishing dock to enjoy their time together and gazing up towards the left, she could see the foundation of her home peeking over the hill. This was her refuge from the world and she spoke earnestly, "Not really, this tends to be our sanctuary from town. Plus, I get to spend time with my handsome betrothed."
He chuckled softly to the wink sent his way and the wag of the eyebrows from her. The year had given him nothing but peace and he doted, "I'm happy to spend time with my bride."
She couldn't help herself from hugging him around the waist, kissing his cheek to ask curiously, "I'll bite, why are we here?"
Another secretive smile crossed his lips, prompting her to laugh, and he unveiled his motive for their meeting, "You finally agreed to be part of the Order, it's only right to formally induct you."
"Here?" she asked puzzled to having such normal scenery for a secret induction. Hmm, maybe their Order preferred the outdoors for their initiations? It was a solitary place and if any of their townsfolk dropped by, they could pretend by taking a walk.
"Apparently, there were traditional ceremonies for inductions but I doubt we can return to that with our lifestyles" he explained sheepishly after rebuilding the Order from written texts, journals, and Achilles' background. In the past, there were more formal affairs to keep their work secretive but his assassins were constantly on the move. Even now, he was the only one within kilometers to conduct the service for her. It wasn't what it should be to follow the old tradition and he supplied modestly, "From the information I gathered, it's pretty simple."
"What did you do with the Boston gang?" she asked with a faint smile, understanding that he was trying his best with what he had. He was ushering forth a resurgence of an almost extinct organization which was not an easy feat. She would accept whatever he deemed appropriate because her focus was always his safety.
He wrung his hands together, clearing his throat before supplying quietly, "I gave them a hidden blade and welcomed them."
"Ratonhnhaké:ton" she chuckled with amusement at his casual way of handling tasks. He was not a stickler for procedure or perfectionism, preferring to get the job done however he could.
"It was the best I could, given the circumstances" he assured hastily with a hint of embarrassment to his methods back then. Hopefully, he had become better at the induction because she would be the first after the Boston trio. If it went smoothly, he could continue his way with the New York group when they were ready. Caroline brushed her fingers through his hair with a caring smile, tickled by his modesty, and he muttered flatly, "I'm still piecing everything together as I go."
"You'll do well, it's all about confidence" she advised kindly to settle the butterflies in his stomach. He wasn't a talker by nature with others, opting to listen more than anything else, so she would coax him out of that shell. If only others could see his happy chatter when they were in the cove, people would cherish him even more.
He chuckled softly, remembering similar words of wisdom when he encouraged her to jump between high buildings. She had grown under his guidance to handle her fears and calculate her jumps and free running efficiently. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he instructed carefully, "Now, recite with me. . ."
Thank you for reading and stay safe!